beg: beginningCC: contrasting colorcn: cable needlecont: continuedec: decreasedpn: double pointed needles est: established inc: increaseK: knitKSP: Knit 1, then slip stitch back to left hand needle, lift 2nd stitch on left hand needle back over returned stitch and replace returned stitch on RH needle (1 stitch decreased).K2SP: Knit 2 together, then slip stitch back to left hand needle, lift second stitch on left hand needle back over returned stitch and replace returned stitch on right hand needle (2 stitches decreased).LH: left handlp(s): loop(s)LT2 (Left Twist): Skip 1 stitch, knit second stitch through back loop, then knit both stitches together through back loopMC: main colorM1k: Pick up horizontal strand between stitch just worked and next stitch, place on left hand needle, knit this stitch (1 stitch increased).M1p: Pick up horizontal strand between stitch just worked and next stitch, place on left hand needle, purl this stitch (1 stitch increased).p: purlpat(s): pattern(s)pm: place marker psso: pass slip stitch over knit stitchp2sso: pass 2 slip stitches over knit stitchrem: remaining rep: repeatRH: right handrnd(s): round(s)RS: right sideRT2 (Right Twist): Knit 2 stitches together, leaving them on the left hand needle, then knit the first stitch again slipping both stitches to the right hand needle.SKP: slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch oversl: slipSSK: Slip 2 stitches knitwise, insert point of left hand needle through fronts of these 2 stitches and knit 2 together.st(s): stitch(es)TBL: through back loop(s)tog: together
WS: wrong sidewyib: with yarn in backwyif: with yarn in frontyo: yarn overend on WS: end having just completed a Wrong Side row.end on RS: end having just completed a Right Side rowSTOCKINETTE ST (St st): Knit 1 row, purl 1 row alternately when working on straight needles. The knit side is the right side of work. Knit EVERY round when working in the round on a circular needle. Reverse St st (Rev St st): Purl 1 row, knit 1 row alternately when working on straight needles. The purl side is the right side of the work. Purl EVERY round when working in the round on a circular needle.GARTER ST: Knit EVERY row when working on straight needles. Knit 1 round, purl 1 round when working on a circular needle.

Crochet
bphdc (back post half double crochet): Yarn over, insert hook from back to front to back around post of half double crochet one row below, yarn over, draw up a loop, yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook (this is worked on even # or wrong side rows)bptr (back post triple): Yarn over twice, inserthook from back to front around post of stitch on previous row and pull up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times.ch: chaindc: double crochetfphdc (front post half double crochet):Yarn over, insert hook from front to back to front around post of half double crochet one row below, yarn over, draw up a loop, yarn over, draw through all 3 loops on hook (this is worked on odd # or right side rows)fptr (front post triple): Yarn over twice, insert hook from front to back around post of stitch on previous row and pull up a loop, (yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times.hdc: half double crochethdctbl: Half double crochet worked in the back loophdctfl: Half double crochet worked in the front loopsl st: slip stitchsp: spacetr: treble

GAUGE: In order to ensure correct finished measurements, accurate stitch and row gauges must be achieved.

TO CHECK GAUGE: Cast on at least 20 stitches, using the yarn and needles specified in the instructions. Work pattern for 3". Bind off all stitches. Using a ruler as a guide, count the number of stitches and rows over 2". (Do not include selvage stitches or cast on and bind off rows) Divide by 2. If this number is MORE than given in the instructions, try a size larger needle and again check your gauge. If the number is LESS than given in the instructions, try a size smaller and check your gauge. The needle size you use does not matter as long as the stitch and row gauge is accurate.

BINDING OFF ACROSS CABLES: To decrease when binding off across the top of a cable, knit 2 together then bind off this stitch - this counts as 2 stitches bound off. This is done to keep the cable from flaring out on the bind-off row and helps keep the shoulders and neck from stretching.

STEAM: Lay the piece Wrong Side down on a padded surface and cover with a pressing cloth. Press lightly with a steam iron. Set iron down carefully, do not drag as this will stretch piece. This method will allow you to manipulate fabric and achieve greater length or width if desired. It will also set stitches and even out stitch quality for a more professional look.

STEAM LIGHTLY: Lay the piece Wrong Side down on a padded surface and move steam iron slowly back and forth 1" above piece. Do not allow iron to touch knitted fabric. Steam will allow knitted fabric to blossom. Selvages and ribbings will lay flat. This method may not allow you to block pieces larger or smaller.

TIPS FOR WORKING WITH LARGE NEEDLES: When working with large needles and gauges, it is very important that you knit a swatch at least 6" square to check both stitch and row gauge, then adjust needle size if necessary. You should also check gauges periodically as you knit as they may vary. With large gauges, even a small discrepancy can make a big difference in the size of your finished garment. When finishing, sew through 1/2 of each edge stitch to keep seams narrow. Seams may be sewn with thinner yarn in a matching color, if desired, for a neater appearance.

Skill Levels for Knitting

EASY: Projects using basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing. Can include items knit back and forth or in the round. Projects named "My First" use knit and purl stitches only and have minimal shaping.

INTERMEDIATE: Projects with a variety of stitches, such as basic cables and lace, simple fair isle, simple intarsia, double-pointed needles and shaping multiple edges at once and with moderate level finishing.

EXPERIENCED: Projects using advanced techniques and stitches, such as short rows, more intricate intarsia, complex cables, complex lace patterns, and numerous color changes.